Bible Commentaries

1 Samuel 21:8-9

The token of the victories of youth. There is nothing like that—no such talisman, no such weapon as that to be borne or wielded—no marvel that David rejoices to hear it is within reach.

The sword was to David: (1) The token of a good deed which he had done in singleness of heart. (2) The token of God's certain help in answer to faith. (3) The memory of a great danger past.

I. The thought of a good deed done in singleness of spirit lies at the heart as the warmest of God's comforts. Forty days the Philistine drew near, morning and evening, and presented himself. What lay before Israel, if the boy champion had not arrived, was to be the servant of the enemy; yet no one stirred. But David's spirit had not been overpowered. His instinct was not to watch till the fascination of fear had overcome him as it did the other warriors. It was to strike; strike with the simple weapon he was used to, and lo, the terror was gone. Our solitary souls as well as the great world are such a battlefield. The struggle is daily renewed. Two principles within—one godless and defying, one whose eyes are lit with the eternal light. Sin will overcome faith or faith will overcome sin; and each memory of a victory of faith is a strength in itself.

II. And then again, to look back on the signs of God's ready help, old answers to prayer when we were in trouble, the expected strength which did not disappoint us but was with us in some trial; these things bring home to us the sense of God's presence and of God's help, until we are most sure of this, that all things work together for good to them that love Him.

III. But above all sources of strength, the memory of a great danger past is the most fruitful A terror taken possession of, the assurance that it will terrify us no more; this is what God gives to good men in the evening of life.

Archbishop Benson, Boy Life: Sundays in Wellington College, p. 171.

References: 1 Samuel 21:8, 1 Samuel 21:9.—J. M. Neale, Sermons for the Church Year, vol. ii., p. 15. 1 Samuel 21:9.—Parker, vol. vii., p. 19 (see also The Ark of God, p. 241); Johnstone, Sunday Magazine, 1873, p. 350. 1 Samuel 21:10.—F. W. Krummacher, David the King of Israel, p. 118.